Texas Road Rage Statistics and What They Mean for Drivers

• September 2
• EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY
• Car Accidents

Road Rage in Texas: A Dangerous and Rising Threat to Drivers

Aggressive driving and road rage are increasingly putting Texas drivers in danger. With a dramatic rise in incidents, including armed confrontations, serious injuries, and even fatalities, road rage has become a public safety crisis. Unfortunately, Texas leads the nation in many of these statistics.

If you’ve been injured in a road rage incident or are looking to understand your legal rights, it’s important to know what the statistics mean and what you can do to protect yourself. Engaging the services of a seasoned car accident attorney is a good place to begin.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage includes aggressive driving behaviors that escalate into dangerous or violent actions. While many people think of honking or yelling as road rage, it can also include:

• Tailgating and brake-checking
• Cutting off or swerving at other vehicles
• Flashing headlights or gesturing aggressively
• Forcing another driver off the road
• Getting out of a vehicle to confront someone
• Using or brandishing a weapon.

Unfortunately, these types of encounters are becoming more frequent and more violent in Texas. Victims of road rage who sustain physical and emotional injuries may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Texas Leads the Nation in Road Rage Gun Incidents

Texas ranks #1 in the U.S. for road rage incidents involving firearms. According to data collected over the last decade:

• Texas has averaged over 100 road rage shootings per year.
• In the Houston area alone, more than 200 road rage shootings occurred between 2014 and 2023.
• Statewide, at least 146 people were killed and over 430 were injured in road rage shootings during that period.

The combination of heavy traffic, long commutes, and permissive gun laws has contributed to a spike in dangerous encounters behind the wheel.

Road Rage Crash Statistics in 2025

Unfortunately for drivers in Texas, the trend of road rage and injuries has continued. The first half of 2025 has already seen a significant number of road rage–related incidents, including 476 road rage–related crashes across the state and 162 injuries, including at least one fatality. Houston alone has reported 39 crashes and 17 injuries from road rage

While Harris County consistently reports the highest number of road rage events, these incidents are occurring all across the state, from Dallas to San Antonio to Austin.

Road Rage – An Overview

What Causes Road Rage?

There’s no single reason why someone chooses to drive aggressively, but some common contributing factors include:

• Traffic congestion and long commutes
• Running late or general frustration
• Feeling disrespected by another driver’s actions
• Substance use, such as alcohol or drugs
• Cultural normalization of aggressive driving behavior

Unfortunately, drivers often make split-second decisions that result in long-term consequences for others and themselves.

When Road Rage Turns Deadly

It only takes a moment for road rage to escalate. Many Texas road rage incidents begin with minor provocations, like someone changing lanes too quickly or driving too slowly in the left lane. These situations can quickly escalate when a driver chooses to retaliate.

In some tragic cases, those retaliations involve firearms. In other instances, they involve purposeful collisions, sideswiping, or forcing a vehicle off the road. The result can be serious injury or death, and criminal charges for the aggressor.

Texas Lawmakers Take Action

State lawmakers are aware of Texas road rage statistics and what they mean for drivers. In response, they passed House Bill 2621 in 2025, which requires the Texas Department of Transportation to retain traffic camera footage for a minimum of 30 days. This footage could prove vital in road rage investigations, providing evidence that otherwise might be lost.

The law took effect on September 1, 2025, and was inspired by several high-profile cases in which violent drivers escaped justice due to a lack of recorded evidence.

Recoverable Damages from Road Rage Incidents

Texas allows road rage crash victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair/replacement costs. Non-economic damages, which can be more challenging to quantify,y include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, and scarring/disfigurement.

In extreme cases involving reckless or malicious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Don’t Wait – There Are Time Limits to File

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can result in your case being dismissed, even if your injuries are serious. Contacting a personal injury lawyer experienced in managing car accident cases as soon as possible is critical. Evidence can fade, witnesses can disappear, and insurance companies may use delay tactics to run out the clock.

EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY Can Provide the Legal Help You Need

What to Do If You Encounter Road Rage

If you’re involved in or witness a road rage incident, your safety is the priority. Our team of experienced professionals recommends that you:

• Do not engage. Avoid eye contact and responding to aggression with aggression.
• Distance yourself from the other driver. Safely change lanes or exit the road.
• Call 911 if you feel threatened, especially if the other driver is brandishing a weapon or following you.
• Do not go home if you’re being followed. Drive to a public place or a police station.
• Gather evidence. If you can do so safely, take note of the other driver’s vehicle make, model, color, and license plate.

These actions can help de-escalate a situation and preserve your safety.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by road rage, it’s important to speak to a qualified Texas personal injury attorney right away. Road rage cases are unique because they may involve:

• Intentional harm rather than simple negligence
• Criminal charges against the other driver
• Emotional distress claims
• Punitive damages in extreme cases

At EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY, we can help you investigate the incident, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and—if needed—pursue civil litigation against the aggressive driver. You deserve compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, property damage, and any future medical costs.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been the victim of road rage or injured by an aggressive driver, the team at EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY is ready to help. We understand the complexities of these cases and how to hold dangerous drivers accountable.  Additionally, we can help identify, calculate, and substantiate the costs of your injuries; an important process in determining appropriate settlements. Our reputation is outstanding.

You pay no legal fees unless we win compensation on your behalf. Call (512) 732-2727 today to speak with a car accident attorney at EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY and take the first step toward protecting your rights.